Wen’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Designed by Raymond Moriyama, a WW2 internment camp survivor, this expanse of space houses the largest collection of books among Toronto's public libraries. It's a 2 minute walk away! People who enjoy coffee have reported that Balzac's on the first floor taste good.
88 locals recommend
Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge StDesigned by Raymond Moriyama, a WW2 internment camp survivor, this expanse of space houses the largest collection of books among Toronto's public libraries. It's a 2 minute walk away! People who enjoy coffee have reported that Balzac's on the first floor taste good.
There is always an exhibition going on. If not, the regular display still offers amazing breadth and details in coverage.
2332 locals recommend
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens ParkThere is always an exhibition going on. If not, the regular display still offers amazing breadth and details in coverage.
Chances are, if you decided to walk along Yonge Street, this would be the end of your journey. It's a nice way to conclude your day, basking in some dusk rays sitting on a bench, taking in the waterfront views.
10 locals recommend
Harbour Square Park
25 Queens Quay WChances are, if you decided to walk along Yonge Street, this would be the end of your journey. It's a nice way to conclude your day, basking in some dusk rays sitting on a bench, taking in the waterfront views.
The most popular time to visit is during the Sakura bloom around April/May. But any other time is great to visit this vast expanse of open lawn, forest and lake in the heart of the city. Even in winter! It's great to Toboggan down some of the deeper slopes so I've heard. Conversely, do not tread near those deeper slopes if you don't plan to toboggan...
1205 locals recommend
High Park
1873 Bloor St WThe most popular time to visit is during the Sakura bloom around April/May. But any other time is great to visit this vast expanse of open lawn, forest and lake in the heart of the city. Even in winter! It's great to Toboggan down some of the deeper slopes so I've heard. Conversely, do not tread near those deeper slopes if you don't plan to toboggan...
I spent my years here toiling away as an undergrad. It was not easy to appreciate the architecture during that time. But it makes for a nice visit! Gothic and Romanesque Revival buildings dotted the campus with some nice modern additions mingled among them. The Brutalist Robarts library a notable exception. I think it looks like a nuclear fallout shelter. My girlfriend Danielle thinks it looks like a craning bird.
Just don't visit near mealtime hours as dining options are very limited.
445 locals recommend
University of Toronto
27 King's College CirI spent my years here toiling away as an undergrad. It was not easy to appreciate the architecture during that time. But it makes for a nice visit! Gothic and Romanesque Revival buildings dotted the campus with some nice modern additions mingled among them. The Brutalist Robarts library a notable exception. I think it looks like a nuclear fallout shelter. My girlfriend Danielle thinks it looks like a craning bird.
Just don't visit near mealtime hours as dining options are very limited.
If you are visiting out of town, chances are you will end up here. If you see a packed restaurant during meal hours, chances are it's good and affordable. A lot of trendy Asian dessert and drinks places are worth a visit too. Souvenirs from here are also much cheaper than visiting... say the Christmas market. They are all made in China anyways lol!
740 locals recommend
Chinatown
292 Spadina Ave.If you are visiting out of town, chances are you will end up here. If you see a packed restaurant during meal hours, chances are it's good and affordable. A lot of trendy Asian dessert and drinks places are worth a visit too. Souvenirs from here are also much cheaper than visiting... say the Christmas market. They are all made in China anyways lol!
Food scene
Best breakfast place a minute away. Did I say it's the best? The friendly prices definitely helped. Yum!
149 locals recommend
Sunset Grill
2006 Queen St EBest breakfast place a minute away. Did I say it's the best? The friendly prices definitely helped. Yum!
Now it won't be the best uber delicious sushi you ever ate. But it's really good value for money. You won't regret it. Long lines during busy hours prove it!
94 locals recommend
Sushi on Bloor
525 Bloor St WNow it won't be the best uber delicious sushi you ever ate. But it's really good value for money. You won't regret it. Long lines during busy hours prove it!
Nice hearty meal option before or after a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum. I love their very Canadian Montreal Smoked Meat with poached eggs. Yum!
17 locals recommend
Over Easy
208 Bloor St WNice hearty meal option before or after a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum. I love their very Canadian Montreal Smoked Meat with poached eggs. Yum!
Operated by Chinese owners, serving questionably authentic Thai food, Salad King is utterly delicious. You eat canteen style, shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other hungry patrons. It's loud, fast paced, and oddly relaxing knowing that you won't be the centre of attention of waiting staff. You are just there to munch down some Siam chicken noodles with 3 chillis. Try it! You won't regret it... unless you ordered the 15 chillis version...
34 locals recommend
Salad King
340 Yonge StOperated by Chinese owners, serving questionably authentic Thai food, Salad King is utterly delicious. You eat canteen style, shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other hungry patrons. It's loud, fast paced, and oddly relaxing knowing that you won't be the centre of attention of waiting staff. You are just there to munch down some Siam chicken noodles with 3 chillis. Try it! You won't regret it... unless you ordered the 15 chillis version...
It's a hole in the wall Greek place, with dilapidated tables and chairs, and an unrefined interior. But the food is great. Pair it with your walk around Harbour Square Park. Do not visit if you fear your cholesterol intake.
15 locals recommend
Alexandros Take-Out
5 Queens Quay WIt's a hole in the wall Greek place, with dilapidated tables and chairs, and an unrefined interior. But the food is great. Pair it with your walk around Harbour Square Park. Do not visit if you fear your cholesterol intake.
Neighbourhoods
Just north of your stay, Rosedale is an affluent Toronto neighbourhood. It's nice to take a stroll or a jog there, or simply admire the nice mix of the modern and traditional architecture. You can also park on most of the streets for free, except 9 to 11am weekdays. Shhhhh.. it's a well guarded secret.
17 locals recommend
Rosedale
Just north of your stay, Rosedale is an affluent Toronto neighbourhood. It's nice to take a stroll or a jog there, or simply admire the nice mix of the modern and traditional architecture. You can also park on most of the streets for free, except 9 to 11am weekdays. Shhhhh.. it's a well guarded secret.
Upscale, trendy neighbourhood, known for its expensive, sometimes snobby gourmet shops. We are also a part of it! Oh well a little bit on the edge. For a more Yorkville experience, head west along Cumberland Street, from Yonge St, through Bay, until you end up along Avenue Road.
651 locals recommend
Yorkville
Upscale, trendy neighbourhood, known for its expensive, sometimes snobby gourmet shops. We are also a part of it! Oh well a little bit on the edge. For a more Yorkville experience, head west along Cumberland Street, from Yonge St, through Bay, until you end up along Avenue Road.
City advice
What to pack
Bring toothbrush and toothpaste!
It's not sanitary for host to provide reusable toothbrush and toothpaste, and using a one time hotel style toothbrush/paste is too wasteful. All other toiletries like towels, shampoo and body wash are provided.
Getting around
Get a presto card if you stay longer than a day!
With our insane perpetual traffic jam dawn to dusk, subway and dedicated streetcars are the best ways to get around. We are 1 minute away from a subway station. Spend 10 dollars and get a presto card with a 10 dollar travel balance on it, you simply tap getting onto your choice of transit. Each tap is valid for two hours.